'Tech Nation' Report: Technology Is The UK's Most Important Industry Says... The Tech Industry

The UK's Next Silicon Valley Is... Bournemouth

The UK technology sector is the most important industry in the UK says… the UK technology sector.

Among the findings of the Tech Nation project was that digital job growth was predicted to outperform all other occupations by 2020, with 1.46 million people - 7.5% of the UK workforce - already employed in digital industries.

And it was growth that had occurred at a rapid rate, with 50% of digital companies in the UK founded since 2008.

Though Tech City may also be the most widely-known technology "cluster", Tech Nation found that almost three-quarters of digital companies in the UK actually operated outside of London, with the fastest growing areas outside of the capital identified as Liverpool, Belfast, Greater Manchester, Bournemouth, Brighton, South Wales, Bristol and Bath.

Brighton and Hove was the most densely packed cluster; more than 3% above the national average, and a percent higher than central London.

In Bournemouth, the number of new digital companies formed between 2010 and 2013 rose by 212%.

Above: where most new businesses are launched in the UK, according to Start Up Britain

The findings are comprised of data and analysis from a new project called Tech Nation, which has looked into how the technology industry is growing across the UK - carried out by Tech City, the government-backed organisation based in east London.

Tech Nation is the first time the UK's digital businesses, including employment figures and areas of specialisation, have been comprehensively documented.

The project was carried out by Tech City, and has led to the surge of digital businesses appearing in Shoreditch and surrounding areas.

Prime Minister David Cameron said of the project: "Backing the industries of the future is a key part of our long-term economic plan to support business, create more jobs and build a more resilient economy.

"The digital economy has become an integral part of our country and the rapid growth of many digital businesses has confirmed Britain's position as a global hub of technology excellence.

"We are committed to supporting the growth of our digital industry nationwide and Tech Nation shows the great innovation and thriving entrepreneurial spirit that is driving the sector forward across the country."

Above: the Tech City hub at Old Street in London

The Chancellor George Osborne said: "The UK is a world leader in the technology and digital sectors and what's so exciting about today's Tech Nation report is that it shows how we're seeing the growth of tech businesses right across the country.

"As part of our plan for a truly national recovery we will do everything we can to support this growth and back the different tech clusters that are emerging around Britain."

Tech Nation said this kind of growth was fuelling job creation, and according to their figures more than one million jobs in the digital technology industry were advertised in 2014, a rise of 28% year on year.

Baroness Joanna Shields, digital adviser to the prime minister and chair of Tech City UK added: "The UK is recognised on the world stage for its tech and digital strengths.

"Today's report reveals the depth of the sector and the complex array of skills, specialisms and strengths that truly make us a tech nation.

"The unprecedented level of detail and analysis of business starts, revenue and job growth give us a first hand view of the clusters and businesses that make up the UK digital economy.

"We are a tech nation and we hope this project will inspire innovation and growth for years to come."

Gerard Grech, Tech City's chief executive, said he believed the figures would not only show off how well the technology sector in the UK was doing, but also serve as good advertising for the industry as it looked to continue to grow.

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